Sony Media Software, a provider of professional video and audio editing software applications, announced the first Vegas Software Certification Tour, a series of classes that provide users with official recognition of their nonlinear editing expertise. The two-day sessions offer a hands-on training course followed by an online exam that measures proficiency in the use of Sony's award-winning nonlinear editing application.

VASST, a leading developer of professional-quality training and software products, will work with Sony Media Software to oversee the training and manage the registration process. Through classes that provide a solid foundation in Vegas best practices, students learn valuable productivity as well as workflow techniques and tips. The User Level course provides beginners and self-taught users with basic skills and provides them with best editing practices.

The Editor Level classes offer more advanced techniques to those already familiar with the software. Participants who pass the certification test will receive an official "Sony Certified Vegas User" or "Sony Certified Vegas Editor" logo to use as a promotional tool to help differentiate themselves in the video editing field.

The Vegas Certification Tour will take place August 7-8 in Chicago, IL; August 10-11 in Burbank, CA; August 17-18 in Orlando, FL; and August 21-22 in New York City. Online registration and details on class locations in each of the cities is available at http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/training/certification.asp.

The Sony Certified Vegas User course includes lessons in the following areas:

Understanding DV and HDV basics

Modifying Vegas preferences for optimal performance

Navigating the Vegas interface

Mastering editing workflow

Working with media (video, stills, generated)

Learning essential editing techniques

Enhancing your project with titles and essential compositing

Building professional audio soundtracks

Rendering and delivering final projects

Authoring a DVD

The Sony Certified Vegas Editor course includes lessons in the following areas:

Advanced capture techniques

HDV workflow

Media Management

Advanced editing techniques

Mastering track motion

Creative masking

Color correction, enhancement, and image restoration

Chroma key for virtual sets

2D and 3D compositing

Titling

Multicam strategies

Using scripts

Automation

Audio and video effects

Audio post techniques

Surround sound

Advanced rendering

Advanced DVD authoring

The cost of the certification course is $799, which includes two days of training and access to the online certification test. Attendees will also receive the book Digital Video and Audio Production and a "VASST Crew" T-shirt. For additional information on the Vegas Certification Tour, please visit http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/training/certification.asp.

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